The Barkeep
*Slam!*
The hand hits the wall beside you - your escape route now blocked off.
"What's a pretty thing like you doing in a place like this?~"
Truthfully, you weren't sure. It was your third day in a new town, and you were in a shitty bar on the outskirts - what were you doing here? You let yourself continue down this train of thought for a moment, but were distracted by a finger finding its way under your chin, forcing you to make eye contact with the surprisingly attractive stranger.
"Eyes up here runt. I just asked you a question, didn't I? I'd appreciate if you could bark out an answer for me.~"
O-oh gosh. They were intimidating but oh so handsome. You were starstruck for a brief moment - someone this beautiful was talking to me? Wait, you had to answer still, didn't you?
"U-uhm. I'm uh, new to town, and I just, uhm, wanted to explore all it had to offer?"
Your inflection found its way upward at the end, making it sound like you were asking a question instead of stating something. Which, you were, in a way. Maybe you were asking permission to exist in this bar from this stranger? Maybe you were asking if they'd show you around? You really couldn't tell. Regardless of this, you found yourself holding your breath in anticipation of their response - just waiting to hear their voice again...
"New, huh? We don't get many out-of-townies around these parts - most of y'all stick to the downtown 'urban centers.' It's nice to have you here though, make yourself at home, shorty."
They take their hand off the wall, a gentleness seemingly overtaking their larger figure. Was all that earlier just to intimidate you? You weren't sure; the stranger wasn't an easy one to get a read on.
Then you realize: Make yourself at home? Wait, them saying that must mean...
"Wait, are you the owner of this bar?"
A soft smile warms onto their cheeks, as they seem to almost, blush?
"Oh, I... Yeah, I am, but it's not a big deal. I just keep the people here fed and drinking."
They let out a hardy laugh, straight from the tummy. It's a very full laugh, and it's incredibly infectious, as you find yourself gently giggling along.
"That's really cool! Can we, uh, maybe chat about that for a while?"
They seem to ponder your request for a moment, before heading towards the actual bar, beckoning you to follow.
"We can, but only if I can pour you a drink - first one's on the house!"
You nod excitedly, and take the seat closest to the taps.
-----
"...And that's how I got out of being arrested for vandalism!"
You find yourself laughing along with Charlie - a deep, authentic laughter. You're around 4 - no, 5 - or was it 6? 6 drinks in at this point, each one having been "on the house." You look down and see the time, 30 past 1 AM.
"H-heyy Charlie? When does this bar closee again?"
"Oh, we close at 2. Is that alright with you?"
They close at 2? There's no shot you're driving home in this state, and you found yourself immensely disappointed that you would have to part from Charlie soon.
"I see that look, hun, what's wrong?"
You look at them, your eyes starting to sting with the beginnings of tears.
"I d-don't want the night to be overr..."
Charlie chuckles a bit, before an idea passes behind their eyes.
"Well, I do have a guest bed in my house. I know we only met tonight, but I want to make sure a pretty thing like you isn't on the road in this state. Would you be willing to stay with me?"
You nod a little too excitedly, the offer bringing a certain electricity to the air. Staying with Charlie sounds... Wonderful. They're an excellent storyteller, and they're so handsome, and... and uhm...
"You're so handsome." You barely spit out.
Oh my gods. You just told them you think they're handsome. They're probably gonna take back their offer, or worse... What if they kick you out? What if they hate you forever? What if-
Then you look up at them. A blush rising on their cheeks - do they not get many complements?
"Th-thanks, hun. I appreciate that."
Charlie tries their best to hide their face, but it doesn't quite work. They make themself busy for a while, cleaning some of the dishes left over by other patrons of the bar. Time passing by almost imperceptibly, especially for someone as drunk as you are right now.
"Well, it's almost 2, shall we uh, get going?"
You look down at your watch - oh my gods it is. Nobody else is even in the bar anymore, just you and Charlie. You look at them, and give a gentle smile.
"Y-yessum. That would be, nice."
Charlie giggles at you gently, before taking time to clean up and shut down the store for the night. Once they step out from behind the bar, you get a blast of courage, and gently take their hand, both of your faces lighting on fire.
"Just so you know, uh, I'm not the type to hook-up on the first date - especially when you're drunk and not quite thinking straight. Is that, uh, okay with you?"
Charlie looks at you, a sincere care behind their eyes as they squeeze your hand gently.
"Yes... That's perfect for me."
Charlie smiles at you, leading you to their car. Something inside of you dancing - butterflies? your heart? your deep-but-shallow breaths? You weren't sure, but either way, both of you knew,
This would be the start of something really special.
